VIDEO: Windsor blight in councillor's sights

Windsor City Coun. Fulvio Valentinis has compiled a hit list of derelict properties he wants dealt with in his downtown ward.

He is fed up with ramshackle homes and dilapidated buildings, and plans to raise the issue at the next council meeting.

"I want to see a much more aggressive approach," Valentinis said. "Either fix it or take it down."

The homes Valentinis has set in his sights are derelict, run down or beyond rehabilitation. But as long as they don't pose a danger to anyone the city can turn a blind eye.

"I think in some cases, people have abused the city's patience or tolerance," Valentinis said. "We need to move on and say, 'There's a standard that's acceptable.'"

Rats and eyesores

And rats and eyesores aren't acceptable, according to Annette St. Onge, who lives near some of the blight Valentinis is targeting.

'Either fix it or take it down.' Coun. Fulvio Valentinis

"I'll be glad when they tear them down," St. Onge said. "The sooner those homes come down ... the happier you're going to be."

However, the law states the city can't just tear down someone's property without strong grounds. But Valentinis said those grounds exist in some cases.

Evidence of squatters

He said he has found evidence of squatters living in some of the homes. He has discovered food, clothes and curtains in houses.

"It's sad people find they would have to use this as their overnight stay," Valentinis said. "But, it's here. Yes it's available. It's a safety."

Valentinis wants action and accountability and not just for the homes on his hit list but all those across the city.

Indian Road boasts blocks of blight. The former Grace Hospital is left sitting in tatters.

"We don't have to wait for a new study, a new blight bylaw or anything of that nature. Let's just get it done," Valentinis said. "If someone wants to take us to court, I welcome that challenge."